If you’re looking for a dessert that’s bursting with rich flavors and a delightful twist, these Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies are about to become your new obsession. This Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies Recipe combines the irresistible chewiness of blondies with sweet-tart cherries and melty chocolate chips, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a simple treat to brighten your day, this recipe will have you coming back for more with its perfect balance of fruity freshness and chocolaty goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind any great dessert starts with quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in taste, texture, and overall experience. For this Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies Recipe, the ingredients are straightforward but essential to achieving that irresistible gooey and tender treat.
- Unsalted butter: One cup of melted butter adds richness and gives the blondies their signature moist and dense texture.
- Brown sugar: A full cup of brown sugar provides that deep, caramel-like sweetness that blondies are loved for.
- Granulated sugar: Half a cup balances sweetness and helps with the perfect crumb.
- Large eggs: Two eggs bind everything together and contribute to the tender structure.
- Vanilla extract: One teaspoon enhances all the flavors with its warm and floral notes.
- All-purpose flour: Two cups give the blondies their body while keeping them soft and chewy.
- Baking powder: Half a teaspoon helps the blondies rise just enough to keep them light.
- Salt: A quarter teaspoon balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate’s depth.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: One cup folded into the batter for melty pockets of chocolate throughout.
- Cherry pie filling: One cup adds bursts of juicy, fruity tartness that make these blondies uniquely unforgettable.
- Additional chocolate chips and maraschino cherries: For a gorgeous topping that makes every bite visually and flavorfully exciting.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While it warms, grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and grease it lightly, then line it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your blondies release easily and keep their perfect shape once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture looks smooth and velvety. Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This sweet, buttery base forms the backbone of your blondies, giving them that chewiness and depth.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until you no longer see flour. Overmixing can make blondies tough, so take it slow to keep the texture tender.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, leaving a handful aside for topping. These chips will melt slightly during baking, creating lovely chocolate pockets that make every bite a treat.
Step 5: Layer the Batter and Cherry Filling
Spoon half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan, spreading it gently but thoroughly. Next, dollop the cherry pie filling over the surface, keeping a bit of space around the edges to prevent overflow. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the cherries, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 6: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the batter’s surface and arrange maraschino cherries on top for a pop of color and added sweetness. This finishing touch not only enhances the flavor but makes your blondies look irresistible straight out of the oven.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The blondies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Avoid overbaking so they stay fudgy and rich rather than dry.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This resting time helps them set perfectly and makes sure each piece holds together beautifully. Now, dig in and enjoy every luscious bite of these Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies!
How to Serve Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies Recipe by topping them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy look, a drizzle of warm melted chocolate, or a few fresh cherries for extra freshness. These little touches make your dessert feel extra special when serving guests or treating yourself.
Side Dishes
Pair these blondies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the warm, sweet flavors. A cup of hot coffee or a rich, creamy latte provides the perfect companion to balance the cherries’ tartness and chocolate’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve sliced blondies on a rustic wooden board alongside bowls of fresh cherries and chocolate chips. Or create mini parfaits by layering chopped blondies with cherry compote and whipped cream in glass cups—a stunning dessert that showcases the flavors beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed preserves their moist, chewy texture and keeps the flavors fresh, so you can enjoy them just as much the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep your blondies longer, wrapping individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag helps them stay fresh for up to three months. When you want a treat, just thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftover blondies by warming them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that gooey texture and melty chocolate feel, making each bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries, but make sure they are pitted and slightly cooked down into a compote to mimic the moisture and sweetness of pie filling. This prevents the blondies from becoming too soggy while ensuring the cherry flavor shines through.
What type of chocolate chips works best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips strike the perfect balance between rich and sweet for this recipe. They melt nicely without overpowering the cherry flavor. However, you can experiment with dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your personal preference.
Can I make the blondies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for binding. The texture may vary slightly, but your Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies Recipe will still be delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
How do I know when the blondies are fully baked?
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. This ensures the blondies are cooked through but still fudgy and moist inside, which is exactly what you want.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch that complements the soft texture and fruity flavor. Fold about half a cup into the batter along with the chocolate chips for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies Recipe is a heartfelt blend of comforting flavors and luscious textures that’ll quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. Its simple ingredients deliver a show-stopping treat, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. Don’t wait to make this dessert your own—once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved favorite!
Print
Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Cherry Chocolate Chip Blondies, a perfect balance of rich butter, sweet cherries, and melty chocolate chips baked into a chewy, soft blondie bar. This easy recipe combines the classic flavors of cherry pie filling and semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating an irresistible treat ideal for dessert or a special snack.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus additional for topping)
Filling and Topping
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- Additional semi-sweet chocolate chips for topping
- Maraschino cherries for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the blondies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and salt.
- Form Blondie Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving a portion to sprinkle on top later.
- Layer the Batter and Cherry Filling: Spread half of the blondie batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the batter, keeping some space around the edges for easier layering. Then gently spread the remaining batter on top of the cherry filling, smoothing the surface carefully.
- Top with Chocolate Chips and Cherries: Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips evenly over the top. Add maraschino cherries for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares. Enjoy your delicious cherry chocolate chip blondies!
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is fully melted but not hot when mixing with sugars to prevent cooking the eggs.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen pitted cherries mixed with a little sugar and cornstarch if preferred.
- If you prefer a less sweet blondie, reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup.
- Storing leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature keeps them fresh for up to 3 days.
- To add a more intense cherry flavor, consider brushing the top layer with a cherry syrup before baking.
